Understanding PCOS: A Nurse Practitioner’s Guide to Your Hormonal Health

As a nurse practitioner, one of the most common conditions I help patients navigate is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). If you’ve recently been diagnosed or suspect you may have PCOS, you’re not alone. Despite how common it is, many still struggle for years before receiving clear answers.

Let’s break down what PCOS is, what symptoms to look for, and how we can work together to manage it effectively.

What Exactly Is PCOS?

PCOS is a hormonal and metabolic disorder. The name can be misleading—despite “polycystic ovary” being part of the title, you don’t need to have ovarian cysts to have PCOS.

PCOS is diagnosed when two of the following three are present:

1. Irregular or absent menstrual cycles 

2. Signs of excess androgens (such as acne, excess hair growth, or elevated hormone levels on lab tests)

3. Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound

Because symptoms can vary widely from person to person, PCOS often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years. 

Common Symptoms of PCOS

• Irregular or infrequent periods

• Excess hair growth on the face, chin, chest, or abdomen

• Acne or oily skin

• Thinning hair on the scalp

• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight

• Insulin resistance

• Darkened patches of skin (acanthosis nigricans)

• Elevated cholesterol levels

• Fertility issues

What Causes PCOS?

There isn’t one single cause. PCOS is influenced by:

• Genetics

• Insulin resistance

• Inflammation

How Sandhill Direct Health Can Support You on Your PCOS Journey

PCOS looks different for everyone, and your care should reflect that. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment. Our approach focuses on managing your symptoms, restoring hormonal balance, and supporting long-term metabolic and reproductive health—all with a personalized plan built around your goals.

Personalized Lifestyle Support

Lifestyle changes can make a powerful difference in managing PCOS, and you don’t have to navigate them alone. At Sandhill Direct Health, we help you build realistic habits that fit your life, including:

• Balanced, blood-sugar–friendly nutrition
  Focus on lean proteins, high-fiber vegetables, and reducing simple carbohydrates and added sugars.

• Sustainable movement
  We guide you in incorporating activities like walking, strength training, or at-home routines tailored to your energy level and schedule.

• Stress and sleep optimization
  We work with you on stress-management strategies and sleep hygiene to support more consistent cycles and overall wellness.

• Healthy, long-term weight management
  If weight is part of your PCOS experience, we help you set realistic goals—often even a small change (5–10%) can improve cycle regularity.

Medication Management Tailored to Your Goals

We carefully evaluate your symptoms, comprehensive lab results, and priorities to determine whether medication may help. Your plan may include options to:

• Regulate menstrual cycles

• Reduce acne or unwanted hair

• Weight Management

• Support ovulation if you’re trying to conceive

• Improve insulin resistance to enhance energy and metabolic health

Comprehensive, Ongoing Support

Living with PCOS can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to manage it on your own. PCOS is lifelong, but highly manageable—and many people see meaningful improvements in their cycles, energy, skin, mood, and overall wellbeing with individualized care.

At Sandhill Direct Health, we’re committed to walking with you every step of the way. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or seeking better symptom control, we’re here to provide clarity, solutions, and compassionate support.